On Mar 12, 4:16*pm, rbel wrote:
On Fri, 11 Mar 2011 21:07:08 -0000, sutartsorric *



wrote:
I know there was a thread on badgers last year, but I dont seem to be
able to reply to it for some reason.

I have the same trouble with them trashing the lawn, garden and
anything planted in tubs they can turn over and dig out.

However, I knew they are not keen on smells and one day had an idea
that scattering a top dressing of blood, fish and bone over the tubs
might work (and hopefully feed the plants later in the season), and it
seems to have done.

Four nights now and no new damage, even though I have topped up the
tubs that were dug out before adding the b,f & b. Ok, it might be
coincidence but at least its worth a try if you have them causing
trouble.

A strong wooden fence with heavy gauge wire mesh attached and
extended below ground, or a heavy gauge wire mesh fence with the
bottom edge extended below ground (chicken wire fencing is inadequate).
The extension below ground will need to extend at least 600mm
and have a horizontal return away from the garden of at least 300mm.
The fence will need to be at least 1200mm high, and with wire mesh fencing
an overhang of at least 300mm is recommended directed away from
the garden.

An alternative barrier is a stone, brick or block wall with a suitable
foundation dependant on soil structure. It should be at least 1200mm
high with a smooth surface finish to deter climbing.

Electric fencing, energised either by battery or transformed mains
electric supply, can be an effective deterrent. It can also be
installed either temporarily or permanently, and can be used to
protect the whole or a specific part of a garden. Mains electric
supply fencing can also be controlled with a time clock which will
automatically switch the current on in the evening and off in the
morning. *Electric fencing needs to be firmly installed with at least two
taut wires. These wires should be placed at heights of 75mm and
200mm above the ground. A third wire positioned at 300mm above
the ground could also be installed. The wires should be adequately
supported (minimum interval 3 metres), follow the ground contours
and be well earthed.

-- rbel


All very impractical options unless I win the lottery, but thanks
anyway.

I will wait for my idea to be proven bad, as predicted. However, as I
have been given no idea of how the badness will manifest itself, then
my wait maybe open ended.

I do not have chickens, and have seen foxes around here in the past so
I if it is a choice between badgers and foxes I may plump for the
latter as they have not shown such destructive properties.